North Central Research Station

Invasive Species - Management & Restoration
Butternut Canker

Diseases Prediction & Prevention Detection & Monitoring Management & Restoration White Pine Blister Rust Butternut Canker

Canker on a butternut tree. Photo by M. Ostry

The issue Butternut (Juglans cinerea), a close relative of eastern black walnut (Juglans nigra), is being killed throughout its range in North America by Sirococcus clavigignenti-juglandacearum, which is believed to be an exotic fungus of unknown origin. Butternut is valued for its tasty nuts eaten by both humans and wildlife and for its excellent wood for carving and manufacture of specialty products.  Entire populations of butternut of all ages are rapidly being lost.

What are we doing about it?

Together with many partners throughout the United States and Canada, we are propagating and testing the occasional butternut that may have resistance to this canker disease to conserve these ecologically important trees for future research and possible restoration back into the landscape.

Research products

Ostry, M.E.; Woeste, K. 2004. Spread of butternut canker in North America, host range, evidence of resistance within butternut populations and conservation genetics. In: Michler, C.H. et al., eds. Black walnut in a new century, proceedings of the 6th Walnut Council research symposium; 2004 July 25-28; Lafayette, IN. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-243. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Research Station:114-120.

Ostry, M.E.; Moore, M.J.; Worrall, S.A.N. 2003. Butternut (Juglans cinerea) annotated bibliography

For additional information on this topic, refer to:

HOW to Identify Butternut Canker and Manage Butternut Trees

Our Publications

Treesearch